HS2000 - Social Constructions of Health in Australia

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

This subject introduces the student to social and cultural concepts of the origins of health and illness with a particular focus on Australias health system. Topics addressed include: biomedical and social models of health; the comparative health status of different social groups; factors influencing the preservation or marginalisation of health; the health professions; socio-political influences on health; the health care system; and the interrelationships between patients/clients, health care providers and health institutions. Issues that must be considered in planning health care services that are responsive to the needs of all community groups are broadly addressed.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural and political dimensions of health and illness;
• describe and analyse the relationships between governments, bureaucracies, health professionals, consumer and other interest groups;
• discuss the political processes involved in health care policies and provision;
• discuss the ways in which health status and inequalities are socially determined;
• incorporate social perspectives into professional practice.

Prerequisites:	BM1011 and BM1022 and NS1222 and NS1211 and (HS1005 OR NS1003) and HS1111 and (NS1012 OR NS1004) and NS1220
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	HS3100

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coordinator:	Ms Helen Dries
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.